'Downfall' is a film about the last days of the Hitler cult which has just opened in cinemas in the UK. A personality cult is a personality cult and I found that the parallels were remarkable. Loyalty, betrayal, devotion, surrender, blame, guilt played out to devestating effect. The final macabre Act of the Mahabharata of our times. A poignant and piercing look into the Heart of Darkness. Poignant for all but I am sure even more so for anyone who has ever dreamt the dreams of a Superman / Ubermensch and played the part of the devotee.

Some criticised the film makers for 'humanising' Hitler, others for humanising the SS who surrounded him during those last days. For me what gave the film its tremendous power was its ability to portray all participants as 'real' humans rather than cardboard cutouts. Hitler did snarl and bark, but he was also capable of showing 'affection'.

There has been some great documentaries about the second world war but maybe hardly any great films (Come and See being an exception IMHO), this is a real masterpiece. Go see.